According to a report by Hindustan Times, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed substantial increases in the fees for Form N-400, which is used to apply for US citizenship. Under the proposed rule, the cost of filing the application through paper submission would rise from $760 to $1,330, marking a 75 percent increase. The fee for online filing would increase from $710 to $1,280, representing an 80 percent jump.
However, applicants whose household income is below 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines would continue to pay a reduced fee of $380. No changes have been proposed for this category. The discounted option would remain available only for paper filings.
The DHS proposal states that the new rule will not take effect for at least 60 days after its publication, as it must first undergo a public comment period. The measure has been proposed under various provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Homeland Security Act of 2002.
Indians are among the immigrants and non-US citizens who receive permanent residency in the United States every year. According to data from India's Ministry of External Affairs, nearly 6.7 million Indians were living in the United States as of January 2026. The figure includes 3,767,737 people of Indian origin and 2,311,484 Non-Resident Indians.
Data released by the Office of Homeland Security Statistics for 2024 showed that 66,800 Indians received Green Cards. Although the figure may appear substantial amid recent uncertainty and tensions surrounding the H-1B visa programme, it represents a decline of more than 50 percent compared with 2022.
Despite the decline in numbers, the proposed increase in citizenship application fees by the Department of Homeland Security could have a considerable impact on Indians seeking long-term settlement in the United States. Higher costs may prompt many Indian residents to explore alternative legal pathways for living or establishing themselves in the country, underscoring the significance of the proposed changes for one of the largest overseas Indian communities.
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